Facade

Ron, despite his worriedness, went through the ceremony with confidence, holding Hermione's hand like a lifeline. She was, as Draco had mentioned, absolutely breathtaking in her bridal gown. Ron's eyes had goggled for a moment or two and Hermione smiled, bringing her gloved hand up to gently close her husband's mouth.

After the ceremony, Harry led the gathered assembly in a toast to the bride and groom. As Ron and Hermione were inundated by congratulations, Harry stood off to one side, sipping some sherry. He felt, rather more than heard, Draco move to stand next to him. Ever since he had overheard Malfoy's conversation with Hermione, he had felt Malfoy's eyes on him acutely. Several times during the ceremony Harry had raised his eyes, only to find Malfoy staring at him intensely, making Harry flush. He gripped the stem of his glass tightly as he inclined his head, fighting to make his voice as controlled as possible.

"Malfoy."

Draco smirked, arching a brow. "Potter."

Harry struggled not to meet Draco's piercing gaze, inclining his head instead towards the decanter. "Fancy a drink?" He held up his own glass, surprised it did not tremble.

"As long as it's not tea, thank you." Draco replied smoothly.

Harry laughed awkwardly, unnerved by Malfoy's confidence but at the same time, grateful for his ease with social graces. "Only sherry, I'm afraid."

"Marvelous." Draco took the proffered glass, taking a long sip and keeping his gaze on the dark haired man.

Harry glanced nervously at Ron and Hermione, lost in their own world as they fed each other bits of cake. "They look so happy together, don't they?"

Draco followed his gaze, his eyes narrowing somewhat before he turned them back to Harry. "Ah. Yes, well, Weasley couldn't be luckier."

"You sound jealous." Harry sipped lightly, taking in the deep green of Draco's coat. How the man managed even in the simplest of garments to look resplendent was beyond Harry. He felt shabby and underdressed in his own plain coat, indigo long faded from wear.

"Not hardly, Potter. I merely look after the people who are important to me." Draco eyed Harry right back, studying him over the rim of his glass as he took a drink. Potter was wearing a simple blue coat, but Draco couldn't help noticing how it clung to his upper body like a second skin, bulging around formed biceps and broad shoulders. He shivered slightly with the image of contained power. He remembered being in those arms. At the moment he would kill to be in them again.

Harry tilted his head, wondering about the implications of Draco's statement, but not prepared to analyze them. He directed the conversation instead to a neutral topic."You have yet to speak to Miss Weasley."

Draco shrugged, content for the moment to follow Harry's lead. His eyes kept their intensity, however. "There seems little point in doing so now. She is rather entangled in conversation with one of the officers." He inclined his head slightly.

"What? Who?" Harry spun around to where Malfoy had nodded, watching Ginny smile coyly with one of the Regimental officers he didn't recognize. He frowned.

"Now who's jealous?" Draco's voice was teasing, but there was a timbre of seriousness within it.

Harry swallowed. "Not jealous. Relieved." He sighed heavily, cracking a smile. "Perhaps Ron will cease dropping hints about proposing now."

Draco blinked, relief flowing through his frame as well. He smiled wryly. "Ah, yes. Marriage. It is, after all, common knowledge that a single man of good fortune must be in want of a wife."

Harry shared the grin, meeting Draco's gaze with delight. As their eyes met he flushed, becoming suddenly nervous again and eager to direct the conversation away from the personal. "My Godfather escaped." Harry laughed softly, darting his eyes to the side. "Perhaps I should ask him how. He and Remus both."

Draco's brow raised again. "Remus?"

"Remus Lupin, my Godfather's friend. He lives with us at Godric's Hollow."

"I see." Draco seemed suspicious about something, but Harry pushed that observation aside, continuing.

"They are most particularly attached to one another." Harry laughed. "I doubt they spend more than a few days out of each other's company."

Draco arched a brow. "Really? How extraordinary."

"Yes. I always wondered how they could stand being with each other like that. I mean, Ron's my best friend but even I get tired of him every now and then."

"Perhaps they are . . . closer . . . than you and Ron are." Draco's voice was heavy with insinuation.

"That much seems true." Harry frowned, insight dawning upon him. "Wait, Malfoy-are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?"

Draco lowered his eyes to his drink, his voice a dangerous purr. "Two men, single, living with one another. Close friends, very attached." The blue gaze lifted to meet his own. "What do you think I am suggesting, Potter?"

Harry swallowed, blinking in disbelief. "Sirius . . . he would have told me if that was the case. It can't be."

"Oh, yes. Every godfather wants to tell his impressionable young godson who happens to be rather good looking with good prospects that he is a sodomite." Draco's smirk broadened as Harry paled.

"Oh, God... It all makes sense now." He suddenly felt like he needed some air, but as he was already outside, he doubted it would have made any difference.

Draco laughed. "There, there, Potter. No need to cry. Here, have some more sherry." He refilled Potter's glass, studying his face intently.

Harry blinked, slightly surprised at Draco's concern. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it."

Harry sipped at his sherry for a moment before venturing, "About your letter-"

Draco interrupted quickly. "I would appreciate it if you wouldn't discuss that at this particular moment."

Harry blinked. "Oh?"

The blond squared his shoulders. "I do have a reputation to uphold, Potter. But, I will say this. As it is his wedding day, a day no man should have to look poorly in front of his wife, I will refrain from my comments towards Weasley."

"How kind of you." Harry answered, dryly.

"I ask something in return, though."

Harry blinked in astonishment. "From me?"

"You don't think I'm going to ask something from Weasley, do you?" Draco snorted.

"I suppose not." Harry eyed him suspiciously. "What do you want?"

Draco took a deep breath before responding, seeming to gather his thoughts. "The Grangers and I are departing tomorrow for Lambton." He lifted his eyes to meet Harry's. "All I ask is that you come with us."

Harry gawked. "You want me to go to Lambton?"

"Yes."

Harry studied Draco. "For how long?"

Draco shrugged. "Oh, I dare say a fortnight might be long enough."

"Why are you asking me this?" Harry frowned, suspicion creeping in.

"You know, I honestly couldn't tell you." Harry blinked at such a candid response, but continued frowning.

"Where would I stay? I hardly know the Grangers."

"There is a comfortable enough Inn in town. Though, you are also welcome as my guest at Malfoy Manor."

Harry considered this, his heart pounded in his chest. As much as it seemed like a simple contract, he knew it to be much more. His tongue flicked out, whetting his lips nervously as he returned Malfoy's gaze. At length, he replied. "Very well, then. I accept but, you had better keep to your half of the bargain, Malfoy."

Draco gave a broad grin, "I always keep my word, Potter."